NHS optical vouchers
You may get help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:
- Are aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education or
- Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (your optician will advise you on your entitlement)
- You may also get an NHS optical voucher if:
- You receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution-based)
- You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
- You receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
- You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
- You are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
- You will be asked to show proof of your entitlement to optical vouchers to the optician or a member of their staff.
There are currently eight voucher values. The values are dependent on the strength of your prescription. The stronger your prescription the higher your voucher value.
If you receive an NHS optical voucher, you are free to take it to any supplier of your choice, providing they accept NHS optical vouchers. If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.
For more information download the leaflet HC12: charges and optical vouchers (PDF, 52 kb).
